working in partnership with

and

HOW TO SPOT A ROGUE TRADER

COLD CALLINGReputable tradespeople do not need to go door-to-door touting for business. Cold calling is a typical rogue trader trick. Many cowboys traders will appear at your doorstep uninvited and use tactics such as saying they have seen problems withyour property.

If a cold caller tries to threaten you or pressure you into agreeing to having work done, call the police immediately.

VERY CHEAP SERVICE OFFERINGSRogue traders will attempt to lure you in by offering a cheap rate. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. This is why it is important to do your research prior to starting a project and to get a number of quotes from a few local reputable tradespeople rather than be pressured into making a decision based on one quote. We recommend getting at least three quotes from local traders so you can establish a price range for the job.

WON’T PROVIDE A WRITTEN QUOTERogue traders are unwilling to put costs in writing because they do not want to commit to anything, usually this is because they have no intention of completing the job.

Many homeowners do not realise there is a difference between quotes and estimates. A quote is an offer to do the work for a set amount and once agreed, that offer must be adhered to. An estimate is a trader’s best guess at how much a job will cost. Some rogue traders will only offer estimates. While there may be consequences for the trader if the estimate turns out to be unrealistic, the safest thing to do is to get an actual fixed quote in writing before you commit to having work done.

KEEN TO START THE JOB STRAIGHT AWAYRogue traders are often keen to start the job straight away ignoring your cancellation rights, to get cash in hand for the work and then move on quickly to adifferent household.

To Prevent Rogue Traders

Rogue traders will knock at your door uninvited, say “No” to doorstop criminals. Do not buy at the doorstep.

Check to see if they have a business address or a registered office with a landline number and a web address – or are they just a van and a mobile phone number?

Search for local recommended, vetted and monitored tradespeople at

where all our members in Nottinghamshire are Trading Standards Approved.

TOP TIPS

If you do not have internet access - you can call our friendly reception team for assistance on 0333 0146 190

All tradespeople and services have been rigorously vetted to the highest requirements as well as those of Trading Standards by verifying their insurance, qualifications and professional memberships and much more. We also monitor their work on an on-going basis by collecting feedback directly from the people that matter you - their customers.

With our NEW Trading Standards partnership in place in your area,you can be sure that using

is a safer way to choose a trade or service.

are excited to be in partnership with Trading Standards throughout Nottinghamshire. This will make an enormous difference to the 500,000 homes who have the added assurance and peace of mind this partnership provides when choosing their next trade or service.Kevin Byrne,CEO & Founder

I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for at such an exciting time. The partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council highlights the fantastic workthey do. Craig Phillips

We think that residents are wising up to the dodgy ways of cowboy tradespeople - and linking up with will make it even harder for rogue traders to rip-off local people.Councillor Nicola Heaton, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at Nottingham City Council

We’re delighted to be joining forces with . Its new partnership with our Trading Standards team will greatly benefit both local residents and businesses, helping them to avoid rogue traders.Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chairman of the Community Safety Committee, Nottinghamshire County Council